Student Visas
The Student Visa program enables international students to study in Australia at registered educational institutions. This visa pathway offers world-class education and work rights while studying.
Discover the different study and training visas, and find out which post-graduation visas you may qualify for after completing your course:
Study, grow, and build your future in Australia.
The Student and Graduate Visa pathway is one of Australia’s most popular routes for international students seeking world-class education and long-term career opportunities.
It allows international students to study in Australia and later apply their skills in the workforce through the Temporary Graduate Visa, gaining valuable post-study experience and potential pathways to permanent residency.
Student & Graduate Visa Subclasses
| Visa Subclass | Status | Key Requirement | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa (subclass 500) | Temporary | Enrolment in a full-time, CRICOS-registered course. | Study and live in Australia with permission to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. |
| Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) | Temporary | Completion of an eligible Australian qualification. | Gain full-time post-study work experience, paving the way to skilled migration. |
General Eligibility Requirements
Student Visa Evidence Requirements
When applying for a Student Visa, the Australian Government needs to be confident that you can support yourself while studying and that you have the English skills to succeed. Under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), the amount of evidence you must provide depends on two main factors:
- Your country of citizenship, and
- The education provider you’re applying to
If both your country and education provider are considered low risk, you may be eligible for the streamlined process, meaning fewer documents are required. If either is considered higher risk, you’ll need to provide more supporting evidence under the regular process.
| Evidence Type | Streamlined Process | Regular Process |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Capacity | You usually don’t need to submit financial documents if you can show you have sufficient funds or ongoing support (e.g., from parents or sponsors). | You’ll need to provide bank statements or financial evidence showing you can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for your stay. |
| English Proficiency | Often not required if your chosen education provider has already assessed your English ability during admission. | You must provide proof of English proficiency through an approved test, such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, at the required score level. |
Click here for a clearer guide on how to use the Department of HomeAffairs Document Checklist Tool to find out the exact documentation needed based on your country and education provider.
Student to Graduate Pathway (Step by Step)
- 1
Enrol in a Course: Obtain a Letter of Offer and CoE from a CRICOS-registered provider.
- 2
Lodge Student Visa: Apply with your CoE and required documents.
- 3
Complete Your Studies: Successfully complete your qualification and ensure you meet the Australian Study Requirement (minimum two years of study).
- 4
Lodge Graduate Visa Application: Apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within 6 months of course completion.
- 5
Gain Work Experience: Build post-study work experience in Australia.
- 6
Explore Future Pathways: Your qualification and experience can support permanent or employer-sponsored migration later on.
Let Us Guide Your Student & Graduate Journey
At Hays Migration, we know that starting your education journey in Australia and planning your future after graduation can feel overwhelming.
Our experienced education consultants and MARA-registered migration agents are here to guide you from enrolment to post-study planning, helping you navigate every stage with confidence.
We assist with Student and Graduate Visa applications, extensions, and transitions to skilled migration pathways – ensuring your study, career, and migration goals align seamlessly.
Let us help you turn your education into opportunity.
